Rule of law

New Columbia Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2012

New Columbia Admission Act - Sets forth procedures for admission into the United States of the state of New Columbia. Requires the Mayor of the District of Columbia to: (1) submit to the eligible voters propositions for statehood and adoption of a State Constitution, and (2) issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of New Columbia. Requires the President, upon adoption of such propositions and certification of such elections, to issue a proclamation announcing the results and admitting New Columbia into the Union. Provides for conversion of District government offices to state offices. Provides that New Columbia shall consist of all territory of the District as of the enactment of this Act, excluding land within specified metes and bounds that shall remain the District of Columbia and that shall include the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, the federal executive, legislative, and judicial office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and the Capitol Building, and certain military property. Prohibits New Columbia from imposing taxes on federal property except as provided by Congress. Maintains the applicability to New Columbia of current District laws and continues pending judicial proceedings. Maintains: (1) the District of Columbia as the seat of the federal government, and (2) the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property. Requires each state that is the last place an individual resided before residing in the District of Columbia to permit such individual to vote in federal elections by absentee ballot. Sets forth a rule for expedited consideration of a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution to repeal the 23d amendment (which provides for the appointment of electors for President and Vice President for the District).

A resolution observing the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2012

Observes the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Commemorates the legacy of Rosa Parks to inspire all people of the United States to stand up for freedom and the principles of the Constitution.

Observing the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2012

Recognizes the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Commemorates the legacy of Rosa Parks to inspire all people of the United States to stand up for freedom and the principles of the Constitution.

Returning several measures to the Senate.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2012

Returns to the Senate S. 3254 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013), including the Senate amendment to H.R. 4310 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013), because, in the opinion of the House of Representatives, they contravene the Constitution and infringe upon the privileges of the House.

Global Partnerships Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2012

Global Partnerships Act of 2012 - Sets forth provisions regarding global poverty and related matters, including: (1) reduction of global poverty; (2) acceleration of economic growth; (3) micro enterprise and small and medium enterprise assistance; (4) food security; (5) child survival and maternal health; (6) combating disease; (7) family planning and reproductive health; (8) education; (9) the environment; (10) safe water, sanitation, and housing; (11) gender equality; (12) democratic governance; and (13) humanitarian and disaster assistance. Sets forth provisions regarding advancing peace and mitigating conflict, including: (1) peacekeeping and related missions, (2) strategies and assessments, and (3) organizations and personnel. Sets forth provisions regarding human rights and democracy, including: (1) violence against women and girls, (2) the rule of law, and (3) child protection. Sets forth provisions regarding strategic partnerships, including: (1) the Economic Support Fund, (2) security partnership assistance, (3) drawdown authority, (4) defense article loans and stockpiling, (5) foreign military financing, (6) international military education and training, (7) excess defense article transfers, (8) cooperative project agreements, (9) foreign military sales, (10) arms export controls, (11) defense article leases and retransfers, (12) enforcement and monitoring of arms sales, (13) congressional review of arms sales, and (14) land mines and cluster munitions. Sets forth provisions regarding transnational threats, including: (1) nuclear, missile, and chemical and biological nonproliferation; and (2) counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism authorities. Sets forth provisions regarding the global environment, including: (1) debt-for-nature exchanges, and (2) commercial debt-for-nature exchanges. Sets forth provisions regarding trade and investment, including: (1) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), (2) the United States Trade and Development Agency, and (3) enterprise funds. Sets forth provisions regarding strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and congressional notification. Sets forth provisions regarding policy restrictions and special authorities with respect to: (1) human rights; (2) non-proliferation; (3) narcotics; (4) terrorism, including in the Middle East; (5) trade and commerce; and (6) policy authorities. Sets forth provisions regarding organization, management, and human resources, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Revises specified provisions of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, and the Fulbright-Hays Act.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should retain its authority to borrow money on the credit of the United States and not cede this power to the President.

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2012

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should retain its authority vested in the U.S. Constitution to borrow money on the credit of the United States and not provide the executive branch with exclusive power to issue debt on behalf of the federal government.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to increase by 29 votes the number of electoral votes awarded to the candidate for President who receives the largest percentage of the popular vote.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2012

Constitutional Amendment - Increases by 29 electoral votes the number of electoral votes awarded to the candidate for President who receives the largest percentage of the total popular vote. Declares that these votes shall not be considered votes cast by Electors and shall not affect the total number of votes necessary to constitute a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is not a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment for a State to extend particular consideration to members of the uniformed services and overseas citizens to ensure that such individuals are able to exercise their rights to vote in elections for public office.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Affirms that it is U.S. policy to provide for the ability of members of the uniformed services to exercise their constitutional right to vote and acknowledges that particular consideration be given to them due to restrictions, uncertainties, and risks, such as deployment, that present a challenge in voting. Recognizes the legislative and judicial precedent of granting particular consideration to members of the uniformed services and overseas citizens regarding absentee voting. Affirms that while the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against arbitrary classifications, and requires that similarly situated persons be treated equally, members of the uniformed services and overseas citizens are not similarly situated, and that the restrictions, uncertainties, and risks that members of the uniformed services face warrant consideration that is not arbitrary.

Requiring the House of Representatives to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment as part of the Constitution when the legislatures of an additional three States ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2012

Requires the House of Representatives, when the legislatures of an additional three states ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (prohibits discrimination on account of sex) to the Constitution, to take any legislative action necessary to verify the ratification of such Amendment.

Constitution and Citizenship Day Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2012

Constitution and Citizenship Day Act of 2012 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a Constitution Day Grant Program awarding competitive grants to local educational agencies and charter schools to commemorate, and enhance educational programs that teach students about, the U.S. Constitution and their state constitution. Requires such program to occur annually on Constitution Day, September 17, or the following Monday if that day falls on a weekend, and give students the ability to register to vote.

Free Press Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Free Press Act of 2012 - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize a representative of the news media to file a special motion to dismiss any claim asserted against such representative in a civil action if the claim arises from an oral or written statement or other expression that is on a matter of public concern or that relates to a public official or figure (thereby establishing a judicial procedure to seek dismissal of what are commonly referred to as "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" [SLAPPs]). Places the burden on the party asserting the claim, after such a motion is properly brought, to prove the claim is legally sufficient and supported by facts sufficient to sustain a favorable judgment. Requires the dismissal with prejudice of any such claim challenged with a motion to dismiss for which the party asserting the claim fails to meet that burden. Prohibits such a special motion to dismiss from being filed against a claim: (1) brought by the federal government or a state attorney general, or (2) arising out of a statement offering or promoting the sale of the goods or services of the person making the statement. Authorizes a person whose personally identifying information is sought in connection with a claim that arises in whole or in part from an oral or written statement or other expression that is on a matter of public concern or that relates to a public official or figure, or a person from whom such information is sought in connection with such a claim, to file a special motion to quash the request or order to produce the information. Places a similar burden of proof on the party making the request for such information, after a special motion to quash is properly brought, to show that the claim is legally sufficient and supported by appropriate evidence. Permits a civil action in a state court that raises a claim arising out of speech on public issues to be removed to federal court by a party who seeks to file a special motion to dismiss asserting a colorable defense based on the Constitution or laws of the United States. Allows the removal of a state court proceeding to federal court by a party who seeks to file a special motion to quash, but only with respect to the proceeding to quash the request for personally identifying information and not the remainder of the civil action.

Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2012 - Reduces the estimated committee allocation of the appropriate levels of budget totals for FY2013 for the Senate Committee on Appropriations to: (1) $985 billion in total new budget authority, and (2) $1.118 trillion in total budget outlays. Expresses the sense of Congress that it should enact comprehensive tax reform that lowers marginal rates, broadens the base, and simplifies the tax code to increase economic growth while generating revenues that are in line with the historical average of 18% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to establish the discretionary spending limits for FY2013-FY2022 for defense and nondefense categories. Authorizes the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget to adjust such discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates in the most recently adopted concurrent budget resolution, and CBA committee allocations if a bill or joint resolution is reported making appropriations for FY2013-FY2014 that provides funding for overseas deployments and activities undertaken as a result of a declaration of war or congressional authorization of force. Limits such adjustments. Makes it out of order in both chambers to consider any legislation that includes any provision that would cause total on-budget mandatory spending to exceed specified discretionary spending limits. Exempts from such limits the mandatory components of: (1) Social Security, function 650; (2) Medicare, function 570; (3) Veterans Benefits and Services, function 700; and (4) Net Interest, function 900. Makes it out of order in both chambers to consider legislation that includes any provision that would cause total mandatory spending for Social Security to exceed specified limits for total outlays for FY2013-FY2022. Makes such requirement inapplicable if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) determines that projected outlays are expected to exceed such limits due to changes in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) contained in present law. Makes it out of order in both chambers to consider legislation that includes any provision that would cause total mandatory spending for Medicare or for Veterans Benefits and Service to exceed specified limits for total outlays for FY2013-FY2022. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to make publicly available in the Federal Register an annual report containing expected budget authority and outlays. Requires OMB, if such report shows any category exceeding specified spending caps, to prepare, and the President to issue and include in that report, a sequestration order that reduces budgetary resources by an amount sufficient to bring spending in line with that category's statutory cap. Prescribes requirements for calculating and implementing such sequestration. Authorizes Congress to override a sequestration order through the passage of a law that either waves or supersedes the spending limitations for that category of federal spending for that fiscal year. Subjects any motion in the Senate to move to consideration of a bill to waive, modify, or in any way alter a sequestration order (except for defense spending while the nation is engaged in a justified conflict) to a point of order that can only be waived through an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, (2) the CBA, (3) the Budget Control Act of 2011, and (3) other specified federal laws. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from exercising additional borrowing authority until the date that the Archivist of the United States transmits to the states for their ratification S.J. Res. 10 as introduced on March 31, 2011, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, or a similar amendment provided it requires that total outlays not exceed total receipts, that contains a spending limitation as a percentage of GDP, and requires that tax increases be approved by a super-majority vote in both chambers. Increases the public debt from $14.294 trillion to $17.4 trillion on the date such legislation is transmitted to the states.

A resolution condemning the Government of Vietnam for human rights violations.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Reaffirms the commitment of the United States to democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Condemns the ongoing human rights violations committed by the government of Vietnam against the Vietnamese people. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and all other appropriate U.S. government officials to ensure that U.S.-Vietnam relations include robust discussion on Vietnam's troubling human rights record. Encourages the Secretary to place Vietnam on the list of Countries of Particular Concern with regard to religious freedom. Urges the President, the Secretary, and other world leaders to support the human rights of the people of Vietnam and to call on the President of Vietnam to: (1) release all political and religious prisoners; and (2) protect freedom of expression, assembly, association, or religion.

To provide that the individual mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall not be construed as a tax.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to provide that provisions of such Act imposing a penalty for failure to purchase minimum essential health care coverage shall not be construed as imposing any tax or as an exercise of any power of Congress under the Constitution to impose a tax. Makes the effective date of the amendment made by this Act retroactive to the enactment date of PPACA.

To prohibit the deployment of a unit or individual of the United States Armed Forces or element of the intelligence community in support of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization military operation absent express prior statutory authorization from Congress for such deployment.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

States that it is the policy of the United States: (1) to protect the role of Congress as a coequal branch of government and ensure protection of its constitutional authority to declare war and support the Armed Forces; (2) to prevent the need for U.S. and international military intervention abroad through the utilization of diplomacy to resolve issues of concern to the United States and the international community; and (3) that no federal funds may be used to carry out any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military operation or to deploy a unit of individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or an element of the intelligence community (IC) in support of a NATO military operation unless the President determines that such operation is warranted and seeks express prior authorization by Congress, as required under the Constitution. Provides an exception in the case of a military operation to directly thwart or repel an offensive military action launched against the United States or an ally with whom the United States has a mutual defense assistance agreement. Prohibits any unit or individual of the U.S. Armed Forces or IC element from being deployed in support of a NATO military operation absent express prior statutory authorization from Congress, unless under the exception described above.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to increased transparency in the negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2012

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Members of Congress should be allowed to observe Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiations on behalf of the American people; (2) Members of Congress, the public, and the press should be allowed access to the draft text of the agreement and to the text of U.S. negotiating proposals; (3) any final TPP agreement should not undermine U.S. sovereignty by submitting the United States, its people, or its businesses to the jurisdiction of foreign tribunals; (4) any final TPP agreement should not increase U.S. unemployment or the U.S. trade deficit; and (5) any final TPP agreement that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution does not have the force of law.

Expressing concern regarding the conditions of democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, business and investment climate, counternarcotics cooperation, and the relationship with Iran, in Ecuador prior to the July 31, 2013, expiration of the Andean Trade Preference Act and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2012

Condemns the growing repression of democracy and human rights in Ecuador, including the suppression of freedom of expression and increased government control over the judiciary. Calls on the Secretary of State to: (1) note in the 2012 and future Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for Ecuador the limited ability to report on the full account of human rights abuses in Ecuador due to a lack of transparency within government institutions in that country; and (2) provide to the relevant Senate and House committees a budget and performance review of Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activities in Ecuador funded to promote strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights. Expresses concern regarding: (1) the lack of high-level counternarcotics cooperation between the United States and Ecuador, (2) aspects of Ecuador's actions that fail to meet the intentions of the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act, and (3) the expanded relationship between Ecuador and Iran. Declares that the House of Representatives is not inclined to support a renewal of ATPA for Ecuador based on the current status of such concerns. Calls for a careful review of such concerns, in addition to Ecuador's eligibility as a beneficiary country, when considering renewal of ATPA, which expires on July 31, 2013.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2012

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2013, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2013 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2013, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Requires specified intelligence community (IC) officials to develop corrective action plans for achieving compliance with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010. Adds specified provisions concerning the prevention of unauthorized disclosures of classified information, including additional responsibilities of IC personnel with access to such information. Establishes within DHS a Homeland Security Intelligence Program. Extends the date for the final report of the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community. Requires the Attorney General to annually provide to the intelligence committees a copy of every classified opinion of the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided to an IC element on or after September 11, 2001.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States which requires (except during time of war and subject to suspension by Congress) that the total amount of money expended by the United States during any fiscal year not exceed the amount of certain revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year and not exceed 20 percent of the gross domestic product of the United States during the previous calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2012

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits, except in time of a congressionally declared war, federal fiscal year expenditures from exceeding: (1) federal revenues for that fiscal year, except revenue received from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States; and (2) 20% of the gross domestic product for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes suspension of these prohibitions by concurrent resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of the Senate and a two-thirds vote of the House of Representatives. Requires the President, before each fiscal year, to transmit to Congress a proposed federal budget for that fiscal year in which total outlays do not exceed total revenues received by the United States.

Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2012

Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 - Authorizes the President to: (1) determine that title IV (Jackson-Vanik Amendment) of the Trade Act of 1974 (denying nondiscriminatory treatment [normal trade relations treatment] to non-market countries that restrict freedom of emigration and other human rights) should no longer apply to the Russian Federation, and (2) extend permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of the Russian Federation upon its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to assess annually for Congress: (1) the extent to which the Russian Federation is implementing the WTO Agreement and certain related agreements, and (2) the progress made by the Russian Federation in acceding to and implementing the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products of the WTO (Information Technology Agreement) and the Agreement on Government Procurement of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Requires the USTR also to include in the report a plan of action to encourage the Russian Federation to improve its implementation of, or increase its progress in acceding to, the agreement when appropriate. Directs the USTR to report annually to Congress on enforcement actions taken by the USTR against the Russian Federation to ensure full compliance of its obligations as a WTO member. Directs the USTR and the Secretary of State to report jointly and annually to Congress on measures they have taken and the results achieved in promoting the rule of law in the Russian Federation to support U.S. investment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a phone hotline and secure website accessible both within and outside of the Russian Federation to allow U.S. entities to report instances of bribery and to request U.S. assistance with respect to corruption in the Russian Federation. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to include in the annual National Trade Estimates report on barriers to access of foreign markets an identification and analysis of any laws, policies, or practices of the Russian Federation that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. digital trade. Requires the USTR to continue to pursue the reduction of barriers to trade imposed on U.S. exports by the Russian Federation. Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of State to publish and update a list of each person the Secretary has reason to believe: (1) is responsible for, or benefitted financially from, the detention, abuse, or death of Sergei Magnitsky, participated in related liability concealment efforts, or was involved in the criminal conspiracy uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky; or (2) is responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other human rights violations committed against individuals seeking to promote human rights or to expose illegal activity carried out by officials of the government of the Russian Federation. Makes an alien on such list ineligible to enter or be admitted to the United States. Revokes any visa issued for such person. Authorizes the Secretary of State to waive such prohibition if it is in the U.S. national security interest or if it is necessary for compliance with the Agreement between the United Nations (U.N.) and the United States regarding the U.N. Headquarters. Requires congressional notification of any such waiver. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to freeze and prohibit U.S. property transactions of an individual who is on the list if such property and property interests are in the United States, come within the United States, or are in or come within the control of a U.S. person or entity. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such actions if in the U.S. national security interest. Requires congressional notification of any such waiver. Authorizes the President to: (1) determine that the Jackson-Vanik Amendments should no longer apply to Moldova, and (2) extend permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of Moldova.

A bill to provide that the individual mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act shall not be construed as a tax.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2012

Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to provide that provisions of such Act imposing a penalty for failure to purchase minimum essential health care coverage shall not be construed as imposing any tax or as an exercise of any power of Congress under the Constitution to impose a tax. Makes the effective date of the amendment made by this Act retroactive to the enactment date of PPACA.

Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2012

Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012 - Authorizes the President to: (1) determine that title IV (Jackson-Vanik Amendment) of the Trade Act of 1974 (denying nondiscriminatory treatment [normal trade relations treatment] to non-market countries that restrict freedom of emigration and other human rights) should no longer apply to the Russian Federation, and (2) extend permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of the Russian Federation upon its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to assess annually to Congress: (1) the extent to which the Russian Federation is implementing the WTO Agreement and certain related agreements, and (2) the progress made by the Russian Federation in acceding to and implementing the Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products of the WTO (Information Technology Agreement) and the Agreement on Government Procurement of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Requires the USTR also to include in the report a plan of action to encourage the Russian Federation to improve its implementation of, or increase its progress in acceding to, the agreement when appropriate. Directs the USTR to report annually to Congress on enforcement actions taken by the USTR against the Russian Federation to ensure full compliance of its obligations as a WTO member. Directs the USTR and the Secretary of State to report jointly and annually to Congress on measures they have taken and the results achieved in promoting the rule of law in the Russian Federation to support U.S. investment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a phone hotline and secure website accessible both within and outside of the Russian Federation to allow U.S. entities to report instances of bribery and to request U.S. assistance with respect to corruption in the Russian Federation. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the USTR to include in the annual National Trade Estimates report on barriers to access of foreign markets an identification and analysis of any laws, policies, or practices of the Russian Federation that deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. digital trade. Requires the USTR to continue to pursue the reduction of barriers to trade imposed on U.S. exports by the Russian Federation. Authorizes the President to: (1) determine that the Jackson-Vanik Amendment should no longer apply to Moldova, and (2) extend permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of Moldova.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 violates article I, section 7, clause 1 of the United States Constitution because it was a "Bill for raising Revenue" that did not originate in the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2012

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 was a "Bill for raising Revenue" under article I, section 7, clause 1 of the Constitution that did not originate in the House of Representatives.

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES RELATING TO PARENTAL RIGHTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 July 2012

Calling for the protection of the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in the Arab world.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2012

Recognizes, in light of the upheaval brought by the Arab Spring, that religious freedom is critical to democratization, so that: (1) all people can freely associate, speak, and peacefully participate equally in the political process; and (2) religious minorities are protected during the time of transition in the region. Calls upon the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to press all member nations to protect the rights of religious minorities within their borders and to treat such minorities as equal citizens. Calls for the prosecution of any crimes against such minorities. Urges the U.S. government to lead an international effort to support legal and political reforms for the equal protection of religious freedom as a foundation for a stable, peaceful, and lasting democracy in the region by: (1) making legal protection for the freedom of religion and for all who peacefully practice their faith a top priority in all meetings with senior foreign officials; (2) supporting and directing U.S. officials with international programs in the Middle East to work with officials, civil society actors, and ethno-religious communities to educate all sectors of society that religious freedom provides a foundation for democratic freedoms; (3) supporting Internet freedom throughout the region to provide access to information and the free exchange of ideas; and (4) encouraging the protection of places of worship and historic religious and cultural sites against terrorist attacks. Encourages the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the newly elected Egyptian President to ensure that the constituent assembly will draft a new constitution representing all parts of Egyptian society, including religious minorities. Calls on the Egyptian government and the local and federal governments of Iraq to prosecute acts of violence against Christians and to make the protection of religious minorities a priority.

Urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections on October 28, 2012, by adhering to democratic standards, establishing a transparent electoral process and releasing opposition leaders sentenced on politically motivated grounds.

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2012

Demands that President Yanukovych and the government of Ukraine free former Prime Minister and opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and the other senior officials of the previous government currently in detention, and restore their full political and civil rights. Urges Ukraine to: (1) ensure full respect of the legal and human rights of all prisoners sentenced on politically motivated grounds, including the right to medical care; and (2) meet its commitments on free and fair elections. Calls for denying U.S. visas to Ukrainian officials involved in serious human rights abuses, anti-democratic actions, or corruption. Supports: (1) the efforts of Ukrainian citizens to establish democracy based on the rule of law and respect for human rights; and (2) Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2012

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012 - Defines a "covered civil action" as a civil action seeking to compel agency action and alleging that an agency is unlawfully withholding or unreasonably delaying an agency action relating to a regulatory action that would affect: (1) the rights of private persons other than the person bringing the action; or (2) a state, local, or tribal government. Defines a "covered settlement agreement" as: (1) a consent decree or settlement agreement entered into a covered civil action, and (2) any other consent decree or settlement agreement that requires agency action relating to such a regulatory action. Requires an agency against which a covered civil action is brought to publish the complaint in a readily accessible manner and to provide interested parties an opportunity to intervene and to conduct settlement negotiations through mediation. Requires an agency seeking to enter a covered settlement agreement to publish such agreement in the Federal Register and online not later than 60 days before it is filed with the court. Provides for public comment and public hearings on such agreement. Requires the Attorney General or an agency head, if an agency is litigating a matter independently, to certify to the court that the Attorney General or the agency head approves of any proposed covered settlement agreement that includes terms that: (1) convert into a duty a discretionary authority of an agency to propose, promulgate, revise, or amend regulations; (2) commit an agency to expend funds that have not been appropriated and budgeted; (3) commit an agency to seek a particular appropriation or budget authorization; (4) divest an agency of discretion committed to it by statute or the Constitution; or (5) otherwise afford any relief that the court could not enter under its own authority. Requires a court to grant de novo review of a covered settlement agreement if an agency files a motion to modify such agreement on the basis that its terms are no longer fully in the public interest due to the agency's obligations to fulfill other duties or due to changed facts and circumstances.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to construing provisions of law as having been enacted pursuant to the power of Congress to lay and collect taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2012

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any provision of law from being construed as having been made in execution of the power of Congress to lay and collect taxes unless such provision is explicitly designated by Congress as a tax.

Read the Bills Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2012

Read the Bills Act - Requires any bill or resolution introduced in either chamber of Congress to contain a provision citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the proposed measure, including all of its provisions. Requires any measure introduced in either chamber, designed to amend or modify the effect of, or which would have such an effect, any current provision of law, including its expiration date, to set forth: (1) the current version of the entire section of the Act of Congress being amended, verbatim; (2) the amendments being proposed by the bill; and (3) the current section of law as it would read as modified by such amendments. Excludes measures which would strike the text of an entire section of an Act of Congress. Prohibits the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate from accepting legislation if it is noncompliant with these requirements. Applies such requirements to any legislation presented for consideration on the floor of either chamber. Prohibits any noncompliant measure from being submitted for a vote on final passage. Prohibits either chamber of Congress jointly from waiving or modifying these requirements. Bars a vote on final passage of a measure (except private bills) from occurring in either chamber, unless: (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote on an official website of each chamber, (2) public notice of the specific calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted on the respective website within six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) there is a reading of its full text verbatim by the Clerk or the Secretary to the respective chamber. Requires a Member of Congress, before voting in favor of final passage of any measure (except a private bill) to sign an affidavit, executed under penalty of perjury, that the Member either: (1) was present throughout the entire reading of each such measure, and listened attentively to such reading in its entirety; (2) before such vote, read attentively each such bill in its entirety; or (3) did a combination of both. Prohibits either chamber or Congress jointly from waiving or modifying this requirement. Declares that an Act of Congress noncompliant with this Act shall have no force or effect. Bars any legal, equitable, regulatory, civil, or criminal action from being brought under such Act. Grants the following aggrieved individuals the right to bring an action against the United States to seek appropriate relief, including an injunction against the enforcement of any law, the passage of which did not conform to this Act: (1) persons aggrieved by an action of any executive officer or employee, (2) Members of Congress, and (3) persons individually aggrieved by the failure of his or her Senator or Member of the House of Representatives to fulfill their obligation under this Act.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures in political campaigns and to enact public financing systems for such campaigns.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2012

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits construction of the Constitution as forbidding Congress or the states from: (1) imposing content-neutral limitations on private campaign contributions or independent political campaign expenditures; or (2) enacting systems of public campaign financing, including those designed to restrict the influence of private wealth by offsetting campaign spending or independent expenditures with increased public funding.

Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012

Preserving Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act of 2012 - Prohibits a person or entity acting under the authority of (or funded in whole or in part by) the federal government from using a drone to gather evidence or other information pertaining to criminal conduct or conduct in violation of a statute or regulation except to the extent authorized in a warrant satisfying the requirements of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Defines a "drone" as any powered, aerial vehicle that: (1) does not carry a human operator; (2) uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift; and (3) can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, be expendable or recoverable, and carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Exempts from such prohibition the use of drones to: (1) patrol national borders to prevent or deter illegal entry of any persons or illegal substances, (2) prevent imminent danger to life when drones are used by law enforcement under exigent circumstances, or (3) counter a high risk of a terrorist attack by a specific individual or organization based on credible intelligence determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorizes civil actions by aggrieved parties. Prohibits evidence obtained or collected in violation of this Act from being admissible in a criminal prosecution in any court in the United States.

Justice Exists for All of Us Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012

Justice Exists for All of Us Act of 2012 - Prohibits a state, for each fiscal year beginning after three years after enactment of this Act, from having in effect a law or policy that: (1) allows a person to use deadly force when such person is threatened and that does not, except where the person is a victim of domestic violence, impose a duty to retreat before using such force in any place where that person is lawfully present (commonly known as a "stand your ground law"); or (2) allows the establishment, organization, or operation of, or participation in, a Neighborhood Watch program that is not registered with the local law enforcement agency and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Allows the Attorney General to authorize up to two one-year extensions of such deadline. Provides that a state that fails to substantially implement this Act for any fiscal year shall not receive 20% of the funds that would otherwise be allocated to it under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. Provides for alternative procedures for compliance by a state that is unable to substantially implement this Act because of a conflict with the state's constitution.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Republic of Argentina's membership in the G20 should be conditioned on its adherence to international norms of economic relations and commitment to the rule of law.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2012

Calls on Argentina to fulfill its membership responsibilities in the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20). Calls on the President and the Secretary of the Treasury to work with the G20 members to: (1) terminate Argentina's G20 participation until Argentina has reversed efforts to expropriate foreign investment in Argentina, satisfied all outstanding U.S. court judgments against it, honored all awards of international arbitral panels against it, and complied with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force; (2) condition Argentina's future G20 membership on its adherence to international norms of economic relations and commitment to the rule of law; and (3) identify other countries that could replace Argentina in the G20 by virtue of their adherence to international economic norms and respect for the rule of law.

Civil Liberties Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2012

Civil Liberties Act of 2012 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (such Act) to provide that, in the case of a person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act, disposition under the law of war shall occur immediately upon custody and shall only mean transfer for trial and proceedings by a court established under article III of the Constitution or an appropriate state court. Requires such trial and proceedings to have all due process provided under the Constitution. Prohibits any person detained, captured, or arrested in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession from being transferred to the custody of the Armed Forces for detention under the Authorization for Use of Military Force or such Act. Repeals the requirement of detention in military custody pending disposition under the law of war for individuals determined to be a member or part of al Qaeda or an associated force who has participated in planning or carrying out an attack or attempted attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to parental rights.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012

Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest, as applied to the person, is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Prohibits this article from being construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to parental rights.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012

Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest, as applied to the person, is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Prohibits this article from being construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2012

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives, on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in District of Columbia v. Heller , that the House: (1) acknowledges that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the fundamental, individual right of all Americans to keep and bear arms; (2) reaffirms the continued importance of such right; and (3) pays tribute to the Court for upholding and calls on the Court to continue protecting such right.

Second Amendment Sovereignty Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2012

Second Amendment Sovereignty Act of 2012 - Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. sovereignty and the constitutionally protected freedoms of American gun owners must be upheld and not be undermined by a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to use U.S. influence, in connection with negotiations for a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, to restrict the rights of U.S. citizens under the Second Amendment to the Constitution, or to otherwise regulate domestic manufacture, assembly, possession, use, transfer, or purchase of firearms, ammunition, or related items.

Congressional Oversight of Afghanistan Agreements Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2012

Congressional Oversight of Afghanistan Agreements Act of 2012 - Directs the Legal Advisor to the Secretary of State to submit to Congress an unclassified report providing the justification for the President's decision to deny Congress its constitutionally protected role by concluding an agreement on the future of the security relationship between the United States and Afghanistan as an executive agreement. Requires such report to include a legal analysis of the constitutional powers asserted by the President in concluding that such an agreement does not require congressional approval. Expresses the sense of Congress that any bilateral agreement between the United States and Afghanistan involving commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole, including a Bilateral Security Agreement, that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II of the Constitution or authorized by legislation does not have the force of law. Prohibits funds from being authorized or appropriated to carry out any bilateral agreement between the United States and Afghanistan involving commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole, including a Bilateral Security Agreement, that is not a treaty approved by two-thirds of the Senate under Article II of the Constitution or authorized by legislation passed by both houses of Congress.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2012

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; (7) Coast Guard; (8) Departments of State, the Treasury, Energy, and Justice; (9) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); (10) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); (11) National Reconnaissance Office; (12) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and (13) Department of Homeland Security. Specifies that the amounts authorized and the authorized personnel ceilings as of September 30, 2013, for such activities are those specified in the classified Schedule of Authorizations, which shall be made available to the congressional appropriations committees and the President. Allows the Director of National Intelligence, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to authorize employment of civilian personnel in excess of the number authorized for FY2013 when necessary for the performance of important intelligence functions. Requires notification to the intelligence committees on the use of such authority. Authorizes appropriations for the Intelligence Community Management Account for FY2013, as well as for full-time personnel for elements within such Account. Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability Fund. Permits appropriations authorized by this Act for salary, pay, retirement, and other benefits for federal employees to be increased by such additional or supplemental amounts as necessary for increases in such compensation or benefits authorized by law. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations by this Act from being deemed to constitute authority to conduct any intelligence activity not otherwise authorized by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

No Detention without Charge Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2012

No Detention without Charge Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit an authorization for the use of military force, a declaration of war, or any similar Act pertaining to the authority of the President over the use of the U.S. Armed Forces from: (1) authorizing the apprehension or detention of any person except to the extent that the Constitution, the law of war, and otherwise applicable human rights law permits such apprehension or detention; or (2) authorizing the detention without charge of any person apprehended or detained in the United States or a U.S. territory or possession, except as expressly provided by an Act of Congress. Declares that the Authorization for Use of Military Force (P.L. 107-40) shall not constitute such an Act of Congress. Allows a person to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and to obtain appropriate relief against a government. Provides that standing to assert a claim or defense shall be governed by the general rules of standing under Article III of the Constitution. Repeals provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 that require U.S. Armed Forces to hold in military custody pending disposition under the law of war a person who is: (1) captured in the course of hostilities authorized by the Authorization for Use of Military Force, and (2) determined to be a member or part of al Qaeda or an associated force who participated in planning or carrying out an attack against the United States or its coalition partners.

A resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Republic of Argentina's membership in the G20 should be conditioned on its adherence to international norms of economic relations and commitment to the rule of law.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012

Finds that Argentina has failed to meet its G20 membership responsibilities. Calls upon the President and the Secretary of the Treasury to work with the governments of the G20 to suspend Argentina's participation until Argentina has demonstrated its intent to adhere to international norms of economic relations and to commit to the rule of law.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the illicit ethnic and religious profiling and surveillance of Muslim American communities by the New York Police Department.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2012

Condemns unjustified surveillance and unlawful profiling of Muslim American communities by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Demands that the NYPD cease and desist any such warrantless surveillance activities within the United States and purge its intelligence databases. Urges the Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately investigate whether the NYPD's action violated the Constitution or any federal law, and whether any federal agency facilitated any profiling or surveillance conducted by the NYPD against members of the Muslim American community in violation of the Constitution or any federal law.

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 April 2012

Congressional Accountability in Budgeting and Spending Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2012

Congressional Accountability in Budgeting and Spending Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any legislation to extend the statutory debt limit unless: (1) for FY2013 the concurrent budget resolution has been agreed to and is in effect, providing for an allocation of new discretionary budget authority for FY2013 of no more than $1.027 trillion (excluding emergency spending and Overseas Contingency Operations); (2) for subsequent fiscal years a concurrent budget resolution has been agreed to and is in effect; (3) for any fiscal year before FY2013 the President's budget request proposes a balanced budget within 10 fiscal years in which total outlays do not exceed 21.7% of the prior year's estimated U.S. gross domestic product (GDP); (4) House and Senate Rules require two-thirds approval to increase federal income tax rates and prohibit consideration of any measure deeming that a budget resolution has been agreed to; (5) any raising of the debt limit is prohibited while the government is being funded by a continuing resolution; and (6) Congress has agreed to a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare for each major bill or resolution reported by any congressional committee a macroeconomic impact analysis of the costs of such legislation for: (1) the fiscal year in which the measure is to become effective, and (2) in each of the four following fiscal years. Permits waiver or suspension of this requirement only by a two-thirds vote in the House or the Senate. Defines "major bill or resolution" as any bill or resolution whose budgetary effects, for any fiscal year in the period for which a CBO cost estimate is prepared, is estimated to be greater than .25% of the current projected U.S. GDP for that fiscal year. Requires the analysis to describe: (1) the potential economic impact of the measure on major economic variables, including real GDP, business investment, the capital stock, employment, interest rates, and labor supply; and (2) the potential fiscal effects of the measure, including any estimates of revenue increases or decreases resulting from changes in GDP. Requires certain House committees to submit recommendations to the Committee on the Budget, which shall report to the House a reconciliation bill carrying them out without substantive revision. Directs the Committee on the Budget to report to the House a bill to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to replace the sequester established by the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2012

Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of State to publish and update a list of each person the Secretary has reason to believe: (1) is responsible for the detention, abuse, or death of Sergei Magnitsky, participated in related liability concealment efforts, financially benefited from Sergei Magnitsky's detention, abuse, or death, or was involved in the criminal conspiracy uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky; or (2) is responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other human rights violations committed against individuals seeking to expose illegal activity carried out by Russian officials, or against persons seeking to promote human rights and freedoms. Makes an alien on such list ineligible to enter or be admitted to the United States. Revokes any visa issued for such person. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition if in the U.S. national security interest. Requires congressional notification of any such waiver. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to freeze and prohibit U.S. property transactions of an individual who is on the list or who acts as an agent for a listed individual. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such actions if in the U.S. national security interest. Requires congressional notification of any such waiver. Subjects a person who violates, attempts to violate, or causes a violation of such prohibitions to specified penalties. Terminates this Act 10 years after its enactment.

Right to Habeas Corpus Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2012

Right to Habeas Corpus Act - States that nothing in the Authorization for Use of Military Force or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution for any person detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2012, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2022.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2012

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2013, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2013-FY2022. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2012-FY2022 with respect to: (1) federal revenues, (2) new budget authority, (3) budget outlays, (4) deficits, (5) public debt, and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (Social Security Trust Funds), and specified major functional categories for FY2012-FY2022. Authorizes the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to make certain deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) the sale of unused or vacant federal properties, (2) the sale of excess federal lands, (3) repeal of the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws, (4) reduction of the federal vehicles fleet, and (5) the sale of financial assets purchased through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Authorizes the Chairman to reduce the allocations of committees for any savings achieved by such sales, repeal, and reduction, with the savings used to reduce the deficit. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded, except by a supermajority waiver. Specifies such discretionary spending limits in the Senate for FY2012-FY2022. Authorizes adjustments to the discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for adjustments to support ongoing overseas deployments and other activities. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would require advanced appropriations. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of emergency legislation. Allows the Chairman to adjust the estimate of budgetary effects of legislation that: (1) amends or supersedes the system for updating physician payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, (2) amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a flat 17% tax rate, and (3) extends the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief for individuals. Permits the Chairman to make such adjustments only for points of order in this legislation relating to: (1) pay-as-you-go, and (2) long- and short-term deficits. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any budget resolution after the enactment of this resolution until a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution has been adopted, except by a supermajority waiver. Requires Senate committees to: (1) review programs and tax expenditures in their jurisdictions to identify waste, fraud, and abuse or duplication, and to increase the use of performance data to inform committee work; (2) review the matters for congressional consideration identified on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk list report; and (3) make recommendations to the Senate Budget Committee to improve governmental performance in their annual views and estimates reports. Rescinds any unobligated or unspent adjustments of allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution after 36 months. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Senate Committees on: (1) Foreign Relations; (2) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (3) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Energy [ sic ]; (4) Environment and Public Works; (5) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (6) Finance; and (7) Energy and Natural Resources. Requires the Senate Committee on the Budget to report legislation to the Senate that amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to replace the sequester established by the Budget Control Act of 2011 that revises the discretionary spending limits and reduces the discetionary appropriations and direct spending specified in such Act unless a joint committee bill achieving an amount greater than $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction is enacted by January 15, 2012. Requires such legislation to include language making its application contingent upon the enactment of the reconciliation bill required by this Act. Declares the policy of Congress on attainment of Social Security solvency, reduction in Medicare unfunded liabilities, and tax reform. Expresses the sense of Congress on: (1) applying regulatory analysis requirements for executive branch agencies to independent agencies, (2) voting on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, (3) the automatic biennial sunsetting of all federal regulations unless repromulgated by Congress, (4) implementing regulatory process reform, and (5) incorporating formal rulemaking procedures for all major regulations.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to parental rights.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2012

Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the education of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.

Shared Responsibility in Preserving America's Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2012

Shared Responsibility in Preserving America's Future Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose, in taxable years beginning after 2012 and before 2023, an additional 5% tax on individual taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $1 million (adjusted for inflation after 2013). Defines "modified adjusted gross income" as adjusted gross income reduced by the excess of: (1) gross income from a trade or business which is not a passive activity and with respect to which wages are paid to at least one full-time equivalent employee, over (2) the tax deductions properly allocable to such income.  Makes this additional tax contingent upon the submission and ratification of a proposed amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced budget or limiting spending.